The Cricket Society 

Playing Cricket

The Society's wandering eleven has been running for 60 years and is open to all members. There are around 30 fixtures a season in the South East, mainly on Sundays on attractive village grounds. An annual tour to the Isle of Wight takes place during the late May Bank Holiday.

Our aim is to play good, traditional cricket in a convivial spirit. New players and supporters are always welcome.

Charles Noakes Memorial match versus Datchet CC.
Photos of the day can be found here.

See the 2011 fixtures from the members page.


The Cricket Society XI
Pictured at Hambledon during their fixture with Broadhalfpenny Brigands and keenly awaiting the chance to celebrate the Ashes victory in The Bat and Ball.
To see more pictures click on the team image above.

Played 30, Won 14, Lost 5, Drew 8, Cancelled 3

             
Batting

Also Bowled
Mustapha Rajabali 14-1-46-5; S. Veal 19-3-76-4; M. Nanovich 8-1-41-3;
A. MacDonald-Barker 11.1-0-64-3; R. Berendt 17-0-99-2;
M. Dilger 1.2-1-0-2; D. Barnard 6-0-50-2; A. Gale 8-0-100-2;
Adnan Mohammed 6-1-18-2; I. Hartland 14-1-59-1; S. Taylor 5-0-28-1;
A. Newman 10-0-52-1; M. Hartland 5-0-14-1; J. Poplett 3-0-8-1;
A. Griffiths 10-1-61-0; J.. Kaufman 9-0-31-0; R. Leachman 5-0-41-0;
C. Hartland 4-0-33-0.

Fielding

38 Carmichael (20 ct , 18 st)
13 Fielding
8 Andy Graham
7 Holmes
6 Symons
5 P. Hartland, Newman, Paterson, Crockert, Humphreys,
4 Gale, Moss
3 Krunic, Chapman
2 Nanovich, Mort, Veal, Angus Graham, M. Hartland 1 Leachman, Pilgrim, Pudney, Wiseman, Berendt, Poplett, Rajabali, Lawson, Eyles, Taylor, I. Hartland.

Captains report

THE CRICKET SOCIETY XI 2010 SEASON:
Ronald Paterson, Society XI Captain, writes
The Cricket Society XI had a particularly successful season, pursuing our mission to play enjoyable cricket on attractive grounds. 14 matches were won, 8 were drawn and only 5 were lost and we had the better of several of the drawn games with some seasoned opponents defying our in-form bowlers.

The form and availability of our bowlers was key to this success with regulars Neil “Sherlock” Holmes and Paul Fielding taking 102 wickets between them (Holmes 55 & Fielding 47), consistently supported by John Symons (28 wickets). David Chapman, Peter Hartland, Andy Lawson, Ilija Krunic and Steve Veal each played enough games to ensure that we always had four or five front line bowlers to keep up the pressure on the opposition. Angus Graham made a real impact with ball and bat in the interval between his rugby commitments, showing maturity beyond his years, Ian Hartland continues to develop as a highly effective cricketer and Robbie Berendt also showed promise with the new ball.

The bowlers were well supported behind the wicket with Tom Carmichael bringing his total of victims behind the timbers for the Society to 305, Paul Fielding, particularly adhesive in the gully and important catches being pouched in the slip cordon by Andy Graham and John Symons.

On the batting front Adrian Gale made 623 at the top of the order bringing his aggregate over the last 3 seasons to a whopping 2,201, James Poplett (one of a number of welcome reinforcements from Derek Barnard's Maresfield club) made an astonishing start to his Cricket Society career with two consecutive scores of 93 and Alan ("Cardi" – short for Cardinal) Newman worked miracles when pressed in to service as an opener. Ronald Paterson made a welcome return to form after a miserable previous season and his 447 runs at an average of 63 took him to the highest career run aggregate of any Society player. Tony Crockert and Andrew Moss continued to show ageless mastery - demonstrated in Andrew's case by a perfectly placed run-chase in conjunction with Angus Graham to beat Britwell Salome with Andrew completing a hard-run 2 to the danger end off the last ball and a month later, striking a towering 6 over long-off, as he nearly carried us to victory in the Charles Noakes Memorial Match at Datchet. Mark Nanovich scored a hundred at Shamley Green and a match-winning 66 not out at Blackheath, while Rob Humphreys was again hard-hitting, scoring the other Society century of the season against Ventnor.

At the end of a successful season it is important to thank everyone who contributed to the team's infrastructure. Robbie Burns masterminded a very agreeable fixture list, Tom Carmichael's efficient work as team secretary and in pressing any available Southborough players in to action to fill vacancies (if no young Hartlands were available) ensured that match managers mostly had an easy task, Adrian Gale ensured a constant supply of umpires (with new cricket chairman Robin Butchard regularly in action), Brenda Symons, Pat Holmes and Robbie Burns kept the scorebook in apple pie order, the prolific Rob Humphreys organised a highly successful inaugural Oxfordshire tour, our historian Peter Hartland keeps track of all statistical milestones with David Chapman posting them on the website and finally, John Symons keeps our morale up with scurrilious post-match reports, none of which is quoted from here because of our libel laws. Thanks to everyone who contributed to a very happy season.

Results

v Coleman’s Hatch. Draw
Coleman’s Hatch 237 for 5 dec, Society 187 for 3 Adrian Gale 67 retired hurt, Ronald Paterson 47) This was our first game at this ground in Ashdown Forest. A cloudless sky and the complete lack of aeroplanes made for a pleasant start to the season. Our opponents have some prolific batting and set us an imposing target in just forty overs. We were never really up with the rate but Adrian Gale and Ronald Paterson gave us a glimmer of hope. The game ended in a draw.

v Ockley. Won by 5 wickets
Ockley 176 for 9 dec (David Chapman 4 for 43), Society 177 for 5 (Adrian Gale 68, David Chapman 42) We inserted Ockley on a strip that was never easy for batting. Our four-pronged seam attack all bowled well, with David Chapman the most successful and John Symons the most economical. We lost two early wickets in our reply including Jules Pilgrim shouldering arms to his first Society delivery. Adrian Gale was soon into his stride but insisted on hitting the ball towards the longer boundary, resulting in much running for himself and his partners. David Chapman joined Adrian in a decisive 99 run partnership and Peter Hartland and Neil Holmes saw us home.

v Princes Risborough. Match Cancelled Rain

v Harrow St Mary. Won by 4 wickets
Harrow St Mary 161 all out (David Chapman 3 for 54), Society 162 for 6 (Alan Newman 53, Tony Crockert 35) A new fixture in North East London at a club who have put much effort into modernising their facilities that they share with Old Millhillians Rugby Club; the old honours board still contains some famous rugby names. A lost toss seemed to suggest a difficult day in the field but our attack rose to the occasion. Harrow St Mary had some useful batting including Jayaratne Sanjeeva with a first class best of 166. Paul Fielding added him to his collection courtesy of a David Chapman catch. Tony Crockert and Alan Newman gave us an excellent start and the middle order chipped in to record an excellent win.

v Tilford Match drawn. Rain
Tilford 242 all out (Paul Fielding 4 for 64), Society 127 for 1 (Alan Newman 67*) Society Chair, Derek Barnard, made his debut at the quaint Tilford ground. The tiny boundary on one side makes it difficult to contain batting in full flow. Paul Fielding bowled well to the longer legside boundary. Rain ended our reply early but not before Alan Newman had continued his good form and Jules Pilgrim showed us that we can expect a lot of runs from him in the future.

V Priory Panthers. Lost by 98 runs
Priory Panthers 253 for 7, Society 155 (Paul Spencer 61) We lost our undefeated record in somewhat decisive fashion. It was disappointing to find that we were playing on the upper field with little protection from the sun. Batting first in a 40 over game with 8 overs per bowler stretched our bowling and fielding resources. Neil Holmes conceded just 17 runs in his 8 overs; others were less successful. We lost the prolific Adrian Gale to an excellent catch in the first over and the total was always going to be beyond us. However we did see a welcome return for Wouter Wilton and the first appearance of Ronald Paterson’s new Mongoose bat. (Ed. Meerkats beware!)

v Ryde School (30th May) .Won by 60 runs.
Society 195 for 8 dec (Adrian Gale 48, Ilija Krunic 36), Ryde School 135 (Neil Holmes 4 for 47) Ryde School outplayed us last year and lost only once. With 10 of the team still there we knew we had our work cut out. We were pleased with our batting display but were forced into a slightly delayed declaration, thus reducing our chances of bowling the boys out. Things looked distinctly unpromising as the school raced to 41 off the first 4 overs. However intelligent bowling, astute field placing and good catching brought us back into the game and onwards to victory. A triumph of experience versus youth.

v Ventnor (31st May). Lost by 39runs.
Ventnor 244 for 9 dec (Ilija Krunic 3 for 27), Society 205 (Rob Humphreys 102, Ilija Krunic 38) This year, for the first time, we played the fixture at the attractive Shanklin ground. As ever, Ventnor included a range of confident young players and our tiring bowling was put to the sword. However Rob Humphreys and Ilija Krunic batted excellently and looked likely to take us home. Unfortunately the Ventnor skipper instructed his South African pro (53 First class wickets) to remove the wicket-keeping pads and join the first team leggie in the attack. 6 for 10 and 3 for 17 tells its own story!

v Shamley Green. Lost by 1 wicket
Society 222 for 5 (Mark Nanovich 100*, Paul Spencer 49), Shamley Green 226 for 9 (Paul Fielding 4 for 79) There was a reluctance to play at the postage stamp-sized Shamley Green but some new players were enticed along and one, Mark Nanovich, marked his debut with a well hit ton. Our total seemed sufficient but the batsmen rode their luck and Shamley won the narrowest of victories.

v Maresfield. Won by 44 runs
Society 190 for 5 (Ronald Paterson 52*, Peter Hartland 46), Maresfield 146 (Peter Hartland 4 for 35, Paul Fielding 3 for 25). Chairman Derek Barnard led the opposition in this delightful new fixture in the East Sussex countryside. After a shaky start Ronald Paterson and Peter Hartland set up the declaration. James Poplett, later to play for us, took 20 of an over from Neil Holmes. Neil’s response was to summon Tom Carmichael up to the sticks; he deceived James with an off-cutter and the bails were off. Wickets tumbled before Steve Veal (also to join us) batted very well until failing to a great catch by Gareth Mort. Derek Barnard remained defiantly not out as the Society win was completed.

v Newdigate. Won by 7 wickets
Newdigate 79 (John Symons 3 for 12, Neil Holmes 3 for 46), Society 80 for 3 (Alan Newman 44*) We have often under-performed at Newdigate but not on this occasion. We dismissed our opponents in 24 overs and Alan Newman ignored some mishaps at the other end to see us home.

v Matfield. Won by 38 runs
Society 231 for 5 dec (James Poplett 93 retired hurt, Adnan Mohammed 38), Matfield 183 (Steve Veal 3 for 26) Three of our opponents from Maresfield joined our ranks to very positive effect. James Poplett plundered a very rapid 93 before deciding that he was too injured to complete his ton. All wickets were shared amongst 6 bowlers with Derek Barnard claiming the last two in consecutive balls.

V Puttenham. Draw
Society 196 for 9 dec (Angus Graham 58, Ronald Paterson 58), Puttenham 142 for 9(Neil Holmes 4 for 47, Paul Fielding 3 for 30) Angus Graham hit his first Society fifty with some fine straight driving and was well supported by the skipper. Puttenham just held out, with the last pair together, to stop our winning run. Neil Holmes and Paul Fielding maintained their excellent bowling form.

v Old Leightonians Draw
Society 219 for 9 dec (Angus Graham 67), Old Leightonians 218 for7 The midweek game at Leighton Park School in Reading is now well established. The ground is first rate and Sue Moss (wife of Andrew, who is a member of both clubs) prepares excellent food. Andrew Moss opened with some success against his team mates and Andy Graham chipped in with useful runs but it was Angus Graham who put us in a position to declare. For a long time we were on top with Neil Holmes bowling a marathon spell in two styles. Eventually the OLs eighth wicket pair put them on top but Holmes and Angus Graham, together with defensive fields, saved the draw.

v Britwell Salome. Won by 6 wickets
Britwell Salome 232 for 4, Society, 233 for 4 (Adrian Gale 84, Rob Humphreys 65) We were indebted to our long-standing opponents for the loan of 3 players. Britwell scored readily but our batting was up to the challenge. Adrian Gale and Rob Humphreys did the bulk of the work but it was Angus Graham’s last over hitting together with Andrew Moss’s running which saw us home.

v Kew. Won by 3 wickets
Kew 112 (Ilija Krunic 3 for 15), Society 116 for 7 Kew are always strong opponents. A damp pitch gave us every advantage after Kew chose to bat. All the bowlers took wickets but we knew that the total would not be easy to chase down. At 57 for 6 we were in distinct trouble but Ilija Krunic and Neil Holmes batted with great sense before Tom Carmichael finished the game with 5 balls to spare.

v Great Warley. Match cancelled

v Sparsholt Draw
Sparsholt 226 for 8 dec (Neil Holmes 3 for 37, Paul Fielding 3 for 66), Society 206 for 5 (Adrian Gale 92, Ronald Paterson 44) Sparsholt always include some talented players and we did well to dismiss their upper order. Strong middle order batting set up the declaration. We responded well with Adrian Gale, Andy Graham and Ronald Paterson all scoring at a fast rate. The loss of the two top scorers within sight of the winning line just held us back.

v Blackheath. Won by 5 wickets
Blackheath 217 for 9 dec (Neil Holmes 6 for 61), Society 221 for 5 (Mark Nanovich 66*, Tony Crockert 62) Neil Holmes picked up an impressive 6 wickets whilst the luckless Ilija Krunic was practically unplayable at the other end. Nevertheless Blackheath posted a competitive total. Adrian Gale and Tony Crockert posted a good opening partnership but a collapse left much work to be done. Mark Nanovich and Peter Hartland used all their experience to steer us to a good win.

Datchet (Charles Noakes Memorial Match). Draw
Datchet 223 (Neil Holmes 3 for 44, John Symons 3 for 53, Paul Fielding 3 for 64), Society 221 for 7(Adrian Gale 75, Tony Crockert 64) It was lovely to see Charles’s daughter, Victoria, his new granddaughter and several other family members for this special match. A mid-pitch toast to Charles began proceedings. Datchet turned out a strong team but our bowlers stuck to the task and catches were held. Adrian Gale and Tony Crockert then put on 151 for the first wicket. Andrew Moss played the shot of the season with a huge six over wide mid off and was left needing to hit the final ball for four for the win. With everyone on the boundary, this proved too much. Perhaps an exciting draw was the best outcome between Charles’s two sides. Many thanks to Datchet for a great day. Players, umpires and officials of both the Datchet and Cricket Society clubs join together before the memorial match for a brief moment of reflection, which was followed by a toast to the memory of Charles Noakes. Fittingly, the black cloud overhead, dispersed almost immediately to give an afternoon of sun and exciting cricket played in a manner that Charles would have approved of wholeheartedly.

v Hurlingham Club  Won by 44 runs
Society 230 for 8 dec (James Poplett 93), Hurlingham 186 (Mustapha Rajabali 5 for 46, John Symons 3 for 50) An excellent innings by James Poplett kept George Brooksbank at bay as the opening bowler reeled off 27 overs; there were no easy runs. Ronald Paterson and a Neil Holmes cameo set up the declaration. Mustapha Rajabali bowled magnificently and was well supported by John Symons with Tom Carmichael picking up 4 victims. A very pleasing win.

v XL Club. Match cancelled

v Odiham and Greywell. Won by 7 wickets
Odiham 93 (Neil Holmes 6 for 40, Andy Lawson 3 for 34), Society 92 for 3 (Rob Humphreys 36) Odiham had no answer to Neil Holmes as he passed 50 wickets for the season on a helpful track. The Oxfordshire duo of Rob Humphreys and Andrew Moss knocked off the runs.
 
v Broadhalfpenny Brigands. Won by 9 wickets
Brigands 101 for 0 dec, Society 102 for 1 (Tony Crockert 50*, Rob Humphreys 36*) Our annual pilgrimage to the cradle of cricket brought one of the odder games. Rain caused a late start and the Brigands opted to bat. Good defensive bowling kept the scoring rate down and further rain hastened a generous declaration. Tony Crockert and Rob Humphreys overcame the conditions to guide us to a comfortable win. Only one wicket fell in the match
 
v Buscott Park. Won by 124 runs
Society 191 for 2 dec (Ilija Krunic 84*, Rob Humphreys 69*), Buscot Park 136 (Paul Fielding 8 for 27) As a new venture, Rob Humphreys masterminded a two day tour to Oxfordshire. Buscot is a lovely setting with fairly basic facilities; there are plans for improvements. Our hosts struggled for numbers and Andrew Moss plus his Russian guest were lent to them. After a slow start Ilija Krunic and Rob Humphreys dominated the bowling. Andrew Moss (43) defied everything that a fired-up Neil Holmes could send at him but the introduction of Paul Fielding proved decisive. It is 18 years since a Society bowler last picked up 8 wickets in a game.

v Oxford Downs. Lost by 4 wickets
Society 164 for 6 dec (Ilija Krunic 58), Oxford Downs 169 for 6 (Paul Fielding 4 for 54) Oxford Downs modern ground at Standlake was a picture and the well appointed pavilion provided all comforts. Andy Lawson’s cap has been added to the wonderful collection. The Downs are a strong club and our total always looked a little light. Paul Fielding bowling unchanged troubled all the batsmen but the Downs got home with a couple of overs to spare. Many thanks to our excellent hosts.

v Sanderstead Draw
Society 210 for 8 dec (Ronald Paterson 37*), Sanderstead 140 for 7 (John Symons 4 for 25) After two early reversals, consistent batting helped us on our way, although extras top scored. Missing Neil Holmes, we took an hour to break the opening stand. Wickets tumbled to John Symons and Paul Fielding but late defiance held them at bay.

v Rudgwick. Lost by 2 wickets
Society 188 for 5 dec (Peter Hartland 53*, Mark Nanovich 37), Rudgwick 189 for 8 (Peter Hartland 4 for 62) Good batting by Ian Hartland, Mark Nanovich and late hitting by Peter Hartland gave us a good score. For the second week running, a Holmes-less attack took 20 overs to split the openers. Neil did claim three victims wearing the umpire’s coat whilst Rudgwick got to the last over needing 6 for victory. They completed the win on the last ball.

v Reigate Pilgrims Draw
Society 181 for 4 dec (Ronald Paterson 93*, Tony Crockert 37), Reigate Pilgrims 147 for 8 (John Symons 3 for 26) The highlight of our innings was Ronald Paterson’s knock of 93 not out. At 26 he broke John Douglas’ long- standing record of 9,684 runs (see below). Ronald first appeared for the Society as a fresh-faced 20 year old in 1976 and still has plenty of runs left in him. The Pilgrims reply threatened for a time but John Symons hit back with three wickets. We just ran out of time to bowl them out.

v Lodsworth Won by 7 wickets
Lodsworth 52, Society 53/3 A damp end to the season saw The Society XI record their fourteenth victory of the year. Lodsworth faced a Society team, raring to go, on a lively pitch and the wickets were shared by the returning Neil Holmes with 4, Peter Hartland with 3, Paul Fielding with 2 (reaching his 200 wicket milestone for The Society) and Martin Hartland’s first (of many, we hope) victim. In reply, things could have been tricky but some high-class shots from Tony Crockert and Adrian Gale took us to the brink before the Cardinal saw us home. The celebrations were mighty, the singing was loud (very loud) and eventually we all dispersed, sad to part but all looking forward to another successful season in 2011.

Archived Averages
2009
2008